I’ve read before, mostly in tweetlore, that there are times when the Internet community becomes suffocating. I’ve been dismayed with blogging before, of course, and have at least once taken a hiatus from writing online because some in my real world could not respect boundaries. But for the most part, I find this community to be full of supportive and caring writers, with a few exceptions that will spiral and burn eventually given a low level of tolerance for such nonsense. These bloggers reach out when a writer they’ve never met is diagnosed with a daunting illness, they send money when another requests it for a social cause, they show up at happy hours when the wino sends out the call. The good clearly outweigh the bad.
Yesterday, I found myself overwhelmed by the community for the first time in a long time. I wasn’t suffocated, but I was overly reactive, and could have used an office with padded walls and a mini-bar. While on Twitter, a blogger used a term that I find not un-PC, but completely unacceptable, and I went into a ranting tailspin. There was no letting it slide; I was simply consumed by it for a time. My dismay then moved to politics and cliques until late afternoon when I lost touch again over the seemingly expanding divide of resources between mombloggers and other female bloggers. I ultimately admitted defeat and deflated like an unattended pan of Jiffy Pop.
Pressures in real life prevented me from being attuned to it, but I was clearly on stimulus overload. I chuckle at how easy it seems in theory to remove yourself from the pull of the online:
- 1. Close Web browser.
There it is. Even more simple than making ice water or opening a jar of pickles.
I’m thinking I need to leave the user’s manual open for reference. The constant reminder cannot hurt.
17 Comments
Good one. I think I should make myself a copy of that user guide too :)
Just don’t ever get on the wrong side of kittyblogger. They run the interwebs.
That’s the best reason for not having the chip implanted in your brain (for now). It’s easy to forget sometimes that all you need to do is walk away from the keyboard/blackberry/cell phone. As with the rest of life - participation optional.
I frequently have to unplug or I will, without doubt, explode. And that would certainly ruin a perfectly good outfit. Unacceptable.
There’s a way in which that on-line drama is frighteningly satisfying b/c it’s a bit like being in a movie and playing a character that’s not quite you. And then suddenly, KABLOOM! The satisfaction turns to ash. Or, in your case, dismay.
If you can’t close the Web browser, at least make sure you have wine handy.
I’m missed this, what happened?
I was overflowing with bloggy love yesterday.
I think Twitter can be dangerous in that respect because it’s a public chat room and depending on your mood, it’s easy to take things personally or fly off the handle. I am, of course, speaking from personal experience.
Ahem.
I’ve gone crazy on Twitter a few times, and you know what — I like you as a person even more that you did, too. I like when people treat the people online like they treat others in the real world — which means sometimes having arguments and getting pissy. If the blogosphere was all about caring for the each other and giving donations, how boring would would that be? It would also be dishonest, because no one is friendly and happy all the time, unless you are deranged. I am all for civility and politeness and “not taking things personally” at times, but aren’t we PERSONAL bloggers? It is part of our name to be personally involved. So, I look forward to your next tailspin!
I recently got into a debate via Facebook of all places. I wish I could have just not checked my inbox there and forgotten it altogether, but I literally lost sleep over his ridiculous ways.
I just read Neil’s post above, and yes, life isn’t all civility, so we can’t expect the internet to be that way either. I think I’m coming to the realization, however, that I turn to the internet for sympathy and civility when the rest of the world isn’t that way. I don’t get online to debate and argue and find out how different everyone is. I blog in order to connect to others (and to myself) and get a sense of how similar we all are. I laugh because I’ve been there. I cry because I’ve been there too. If I haven’t been there and don’t want to, then I too need to unplug.
“Kittehs” are full of problems.
I know what you mean. I’ve gotten in a couple of blog debates and you know, I have finally figured out that I can’t change anyone’s mind, so if they start to Criss Angel Mindfreak on me…I’m just going away.
I could have used the “Close Web Browser” reminder LAST week, when my blog went to shit due to a troll that WILL NOT LEAVE. She took me to task over my desire to take exercise classes and, I dunno, be more than a mom 24/7. My kids didn’t ask to be born and I should do NOTHING except be there every minute.
Sorry. My rant - not for your ears, but, my God, the stupidity of peoples.
I love and owe you a drink.
Expanding divide of resources indeed.
Geez, I’m so serious here. This was a crazy timely post because I think I’m about to 86 my blog. I don’t really want to, but geez. The pressure. IS THAT STUPID OR WHAT? The pressure of a BLOG? Come now. Get a hold of myself.
There’s lots of pressure - it’s hard to avoid. This quickly goes from fun hobby to . . . something else?
#2: Turn off mobile updates to cell phone by texting “Off” to 404-04. Text “on” to resume mobile updates.
You know. Just in case.
Did I miss all the fun? I’m perpetually late to the party and miss all the good stuff.
It is so true. I make myself not get online during the weekend because there is just too much. Spending that much time online can make you forget you have a real life out there beyond the computer.